Randy Chandler
Hawaiian pizza is a sweet and savoury combination of cheese, ham, and pineapple. The cheese on a Hawaiian pizza is typically mozzarella, but there are several other options that pair well with the pineapple, such as cheddar, provolone, gouda, and various Italian cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Mozzarella, Cheddar, Provolone, Gouda, Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Asiago Stagionato, Tarentaise |
| Cheese Texture | Melty, Creamy, Shredded, Low Moisture |
| Cheese Source | Store-bought, Homemade |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is the standard cheese for Hawaiian pizza
Mozzarella is the standard cheese used in Hawaiian pizza. It is a cooked-curd, mountain cheese that melts very well and has a creamy texture. While fresh mozzarella is too wet, mozzarella shredded from a whole milk block is ideal for this recipe. It is also recommended to shred your own mozzarella cheese, as pre-shredded cheese has a coating that makes it harder to melt.
The salty and creamy mozzarella cheese is a great match for the sweet and juicy pineapple, creating a burst of flavours in your mouth. The cheese also goes well with the other classic Hawaiian pizza toppings, including ham, Canadian bacon, and spices such as oregano.
While mozzarella is the standard, some people like to experiment with different cheeses on their Hawaiian pizza. For those who are adventurous, there are several alternatives to mozzarella that pair well with pineapple. These include Tarentaise, a raw cow's milk cheese with fruity notes, and Asiago Stagionato, a firmer and saltier Italian cheese. Other options include Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese is a matter of personal preference, and with pizza, there are endless possibilities to customise and make it your own. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different cheeses on your Hawaiian pizza!
Building the Ultimate Cheesy Steak Pizza Perfection
You may want to see also
Cheddar, provolone, and gouda are great substitutes
While mozzarella is the most common cheese used on Hawaiian pizza, there are several other types of cheese that can be used to create a similar or even better flavor profile. Cheddar, provolone, and gouda are great substitutes that can enhance the overall taste of the pizza. These cheeses offer a different flavor and texture that can complement the other toppings on a Hawaiian pizza.
Cheddar cheese, for example, has a sharp and slightly tangy flavor that can add a creamy texture to the pizza. Its strong flavor can stand up to the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham. Provolone, on the other hand, has a milder flavor with a slightly nutty taste. It melts well and can add a creamy and smooth texture to the pizza. Gouda cheese also has a mild and nutty flavor, with a creamy and smooth texture that can complement the other ingredients on the pizza.
Using these substitute cheeses can create a unique flavor profile for a Hawaiian pizza. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well and have a strong enough flavor to stand up to the other toppings. By experimenting with different types of cheese, you can create a Hawaiian pizza that is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful sensory experience.
In addition to the standard mozzarella, adventurous pizza makers might consider other cheeses such as Tarentaise, a fruity and flavorful French cheese, or Asiago Stagionato, its Italian counterpart. These cheeses can add a unique twist to the traditional Hawaiian pizza, enhancing the sweetness of the pineapple and creating an unexpected but delightful combination.
Why Greasy Pizza May Not Be Mozzarella Cheese
You may want to see also
Fresh vs pre-shredded mozzarella
Mozzarella is the standard cheese used on Hawaiian pizzas. However, there is some debate about whether fresh or pre-shredded mozzarella is better.
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient and can be melted more easily if it is dried out in the fridge beforehand. It is also coated with additives that prevent clumping and mould growth. However, these additives can inhibit smooth melting, and the cheese may not taste as good as fresh mozzarella.
Fresh mozzarella, especially buffalo mozzarella, is considered superior in taste to pre-shredded mozzarella. However, it can be messier to work with due to its higher moisture content, and it may not melt as easily. To improve the melting of fresh mozzarella, it can be dried out in the fridge before use, or slices can be laid out between paper towels with a heavy cast iron pan on top to absorb the moisture.
Ultimately, the choice between fresh and pre-shredded mozzarella on a Hawaiian pizza depends on personal preference and convenience. For the best results, some people recommend a hybrid approach, using shredded mozzarella on the bottom and adding small chunks of fresh mozzarella on top before adding other toppings.
Cheese Pizza and Gout: A Bad Combination?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other cheeses to consider
While mozzarella is the standard cheese used on a Hawaiian pizza, there are several other cheeses that you can consider using.
Cheddar, provolone, and gouda are great substitutes that will get nice and melty. If you're looking for a cheese with a salty funk to play off the sweet pineapple, try an Italian cheese like Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or Parmigiano Reggiano. For a firmer, saltier option, go for Asiago Stagionato, the aged version of the cheese typically used in baking bagels. Tarentaise, a raw cow's milk cheese modelled after France's Abondance, is another fruity, Alpine-style cheese that could be a good choice.
School Lunch Cheese Pizza: How Much Sodium?
You may want to see also
Mozzarella vs. fresh pineapple
Mozzarella is the standard cheese used on Hawaiian pizzas. It is a straightforward, milky cheese that can be shredded and melted on top of the pineapple, ham, and other toppings. However, some people believe that there are other cheeses that work better with pineapple.
Mozzarella is a traditional Italian cheese that is commonly used on pizzas due to its ability to melt easily and its mild, milky flavour. However, when paired with pineapple, some believe that its flavour does not complement the fruit, and that other cheeses could bridge the gap between tomato sauce and tropical fruit better.
Fresh pineapple is a key ingredient in a Hawaiian pizza, providing a touch of sweetness and freshness. To ensure the pizza doesn't become soggy, it is important to pat the pineapple chunks dry before adding them as a topping.
Some alternative cheeses that are recommended to pair with pineapple include blue cheese, smoked mozzarella or cheddar, and washed-curd smoked gouda. Blue cheese and pineapple have a compound in common called methyl hexanoate, which makes them a harmonious pair. Smoked cheeses also work well with pineapple, especially if the pizza includes bacon, as the smoke complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
Reheating Pizza: Melting Cheese in the Microwave
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is the standard cheese used on a Hawaiian pizza. It is best to shred your own mozzarella as pre-shredded cheese has a coating that stops it from melting as easily.
Yes, several other cheeses can be used to complement the pineapple, including cheddar, provolone, gouda, Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, and Pecorino Romano.
It is best to use low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella that has been shredded from a block as it melts very well.
